The Eagles’ record now reads 1-6. Losses to Gold Coast and North Melbourne early in the season have been compounded by thumpings to Fremantle (55 points), Sydney (63 points), Port Adelaide (84 points) and now Richmond. Their sole win was a spirited victory over Collingwood in round four.
But it doesn’t get any easier in the next two weeks for the Eagles, with matches against Brisbane and Melbourne.
It was an important win for Richmond, however. They move to 3-4 and take a healthy percentage into next week’s blockbuster against Collingwood.
Sharp start
Efficiency was the name of the game in the first quarter for Richmond.
The Tigers have averaged nine marks a game inside-50 this season, but had eight in the first quarter which saw them post seven goals to one, at an efficiency inside-50 of 86.7 per cent. They finished with more than 20 marks inside their 50-metre arc.
What was also evident early was their clear intention to kick more and handball less. They only had 25 handballs in the first term, but had 66 kicks.
Short, in a midfield role, had eight kicks, four clearances, four inside-50s and four score involvements in the opening stanza.
Mixed night for Riolis
Maurice Rioli jnr enjoyed a one-minute patch he won’t forget, when he kicked two goals within 60 seconds in the third term.
It was just his third game at AFL level, but his first of 2022, and he looked sharp in limited time on ground as a genuine small forward.
His first goal was on the run, a lovely finish off a few steps, and his teammates came to him to celebrate, before he soccered a goal from the goal square to put his side further in front.
Maurice Rioli kicked three goals in his side’s win over West Coast.Credit:AFL Photos/Getty Images
He then kicked the first goal of the final term.
His nephew Daniel Rioli was also influential for the Tigers. He had 486 metres gained and six score involvements to three-quarter-time.
But the Eagles’ Willie Rioli – cousin of Maurice jnr – had just seven touches before he was subbed out of the match at half-time with a hamstring issue.
Prestia sidelined
He has played just 23 games since the start of the 2020 season, but Dion Prestia’s injury concerns continued on Friday night.
The prolific midfielder was subbed out of the match at three-quarter time with an ankle injury.
It didn’t look too serious, however, with Prestia seemingly in good spirits in the tracksuit jacket.
BEST: West Coast: J Redden, G Clark, L Shuey, J Kennedy. Richmond: T Lynch, S Bolton, J Short, K McIntosh, D Rioli, N Vlastuin
VOTES:
8 – Tom Lynch (Richmond)
8 – Shai Bolton (Richmond)
8 – Jayden Short (Richmond)
7 – Kamdyn McIntosh (Richmond)
7 – Daniel Rioli (Richmond)
Tigers hand West Coast their biggest loss for the season to inflict more pain
Source: Philippines Alive
